ES2341706T3 - FILTER MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

A filtering module comprising: A crankcase body (3) having an inlet (6) for a liquid to be filtered and an outlet (10) for the filtered liquid; the first filtering element (12) located in the crankcase, in the form of a porous tubular mass provided with a central opening channel (7), to which the inlet connects, a second filtering element (2) located in the crankcase comprising a series of lengths of tube-shaped filter membranes, said first and second filter elements form a cylindrical shape, having opposite ends, a sealing material disposed at least one end between the filter membranes to terminate the openings at the end between the membranes Filtering, the output has been connected to the end. characterized in that the second filter element is formed as a spiral (2) giving rise to a tubular housing that surrounds the first filter element and in which there is a material between the spirals of the tubular housing that can cause the formation of calcium crystals and a part of the crankcase surrounding the tubular housing has an inlet (13) and an outlet (18) for pumping the water.

Description

Filtering module

The present invention relates to a module of filtration comprising a crankcase with an inlet for the liquid to be filtered and an outlet for the filtered liquid; a first filter element placed in the crankcase, in the form of a mass porous tubular, equipped with a central opening channel, to which the input connects; a second filter element located in the crankcase comprising a longitudinal series of filter membranes in the form of tubes, said first and second filter elements together they form a cylinder of opposite ends, a material sealant, arranged at least at one end between the membranes Filters to end with holes in the end between the filter membranes, the outlet connected to the end.

Said filter module is known from the international patent application without prior publication WO 02/36248. In it, the second filter element is formed by a beam of membrane lengths that extend straight and parallel to each other. The second filter element in the form of bar thus obtained, is placed in a central opening channel that crosses the first filter element, each of them includes an annular space, which is surrounded by the crankcase of the module filtered out. The inlet for the liquid to be filtered is connected to the annular space, which must ensure that the liquid to be filtered penetrate into the first filtering element throughout the height of it. After initial filtering in the first filter element, the liquid fluid ends up reaching the channel of central opening where the second element of filtered out. The liquid will penetrate through the membrane wall filter and flows to the open ends, therefore allowing it to exit through the exit of the element of filter as an already filtered liquid.

The formation of the second filter element, to from filter membranes of parallel lengths for later place it in the central opening channel of the first element of filtering is first and foremost a time consuming task and that does not lend itself to its mechanization. In addition, the place the first and second filter element in the housing, it necessarily implies having, not only, each time, with a space annul present between the first filter element and the crankcase, it will also be necessary for the assembly to be such that, the passing through the annular space, seen in the form of a circle, remain unchanged on all sides, even in the case of that the filter module be placed in an inclined position or horizontal.

Another embodiment of a filter module is known as from JP7031971, in which a first and a second filter element, where the second filter element comprises a set of straight hollow fiber membranes arranged in a part outside the first filter element. In consecuense, This filter module has substantial problems exposed above.

Another embodiment of a filter module is known as from JP07047240, in which the filtering module comprises a first filtering element implemented as a hollow membrane Coiled is spiral to the core. This realization has as disadvantage that only a threaded membrane is used to filtering purposes, which implies that it could have insufficient total filtering capacity.

The object of the invention is to solve the problems mentioned above and in particular provide a filter module that can be manufactured mechanically as much as possible and where you manage to efficiently mitigate excessive hardness of the water.

This is achieved in accordance with the invention with the filter module described in the initial paragraph, in which the element second filtering is shaped as a spiral wrap of the tubular housing surrounding the first filter element and, between a shell of the tubular shell is present a material that it can cause the formation of calcium crystals and a part of the crankcase surrounding the tubular housing has an inlet and an outlet for the flow of water flow. As a result, the supply step no longer depends on two separate elements initially which should be assembled in a way correct and they must remain in place, but this step is with the simple contribution a central channel in a single element. By providing the second filter element around of the first filtering element, it can be manufactured, due to the tubular shape thus obtained, in a more advantageous mechanical way by middle of the screwed to a core. This core may be the first filter element or a different part, lost or not lost. As the mechanical manufacturing of the second filter element Tubular can have its own rigid shape, the first element of filtered, can be brought to its central position, at will, before or after screwing the second filter element, depending all of the materials used and in the selected way to conform it.

According to the invention between the windings of the tubular housing, the present material that can cause the formation of calcium crystals, and a part of the surrounding tubular housing is placed an inlet and an outlet for the water circulation, the filter module can be deployed advantageous as a device for water. The calcium crystals that they form between the filter membranes can be dragged periodically out by the projected water in circulation between filtration membranes through the inlet and outlet provided for that purpose. This has been possible in part in a way relatively simple by placing the second filter element in the outside.

       \ newpage
    

With respect to the known module, a module filter thus formed, has an additional advantageous effect namely. more uniform, such as a more complete flow through the module filter, since, as a result of a more favorable development of the pressure on the filter membranes, the liquid to be filtered, is collects and distributes through the filter membranes in a way distribution much better. As the first filter element is present in the space provided by the second filter element, it is possible later, advantageously, that the porous mass It consists of a powder or granular mass. Naturally it is also it is possible that the porous mass consists of a body that retains its shape, which either slides inside the tubular housing after its formation, or it can serve as a nucleus winding for the formation of the tubular housing. The ease of manufacturing and also the freedom of manufacturing offer the possibility of using a multiplicity of materials, depending of the desired use and the properties of the filter module. By For example, the porous mass of the first filtering element can consist of a filter material, absorbent and / or a component different; the absorbent material can be selected from a group consisting of activated carbon materials, zeolites, clay materials or combinations thereof; while others components can be selected from a group that is formed by compounds that have a controlled release of substances active substances, pH regulating substances, exchange substances of ions, neutralizers, or a combination thereof. The mentioned active substances can then be selected from between a group that is made up of minerals, iodide, disinfectants or a combination thereof. The second element of filtering can then be formed by filter membranes selected from a group consisting of membranes of microfiltration, ultrafiltration membranes, membranes nanofiltration, reverse osmosis membranes, membranes carteridrophilic and / or membranes to which agents have been added adsorption or bacteriostatic.

In a more advantageous way, the properties of the Filtering module can be augmented and adjusted in a way relatively simple, in the case that in the tubular housing of the second filter element, be incorporated into at least one extension of additional filiform material and this may be a hollow or non-hollow material, whether interlaced or not. An option to consider here is that at least one additional extension is selected from a group consisting of reinforcing filaments, aeration or deaeration membranes, such as the membrane as a carteridrophobe, heat exchange channels, circuit heated for the purpose of sterilization, channels for supply of additives and / or materials that have an action bacteriostatic

In the case of pretending to form the first filter element from powder or shaped material granular, it will be preferred that the spiral winding inside the body tubular, is carried out by providing a series of rolled layers in a permeable liquid from the cavity of the supporting body that forms a lost nucleus, so a limit can be created for pretended materials. As a support body, a perforated tube of at least one layer of fibers, whether woven or not, of different filter materials or a combination of both. Thus, the form of stability in the form of the formation of the filtering module, which has its advantages as a means to the conformation of the first filtering element. In this way, the properties of the filtering module and its action may be subsequently improved influenced and improved.

If desired, the opening channel will be made central at the first filter element connect at the ends from both sides, to an inlet for the liquid to be filtered. You can also block any of the outputs and use as a drain point for a filter module arranged vertically

It is also possible that the tubular housing arrange both ends with open filtration membranes  at its ends, with the surrounding spaces filled with material sealant, allowing the liquid to be optionally removed filtering at both ends of the filtering module.

It is a filter module that according to the invention is widely used for liquid filtration and gases such as aqueous liquids or different solvents. The module of Filter is, for example, very suitable for use in homes, but it can also be used for example in debugging industrial, in wastewater processing, as protection against "legionnaire's disease" or other microorganisms, in the purification of water in outdoor sports and other damages, in the desalination of seawater, in the purification of beer, wine and other foods, in special applications ("products dedicated "), such as components and appliances of goods of consumption, for coffee machines, in applications medicinal or in dietary drinks.

The filter module is very suitable for a liquid filtering method, such as tap water, water from surface, mineral water, wastewater, seawater, or drink. So, highly efficient liquid can be obtained purified to serve as final product or as base material for A different product.

With reference to the materializations represented in the drawings, although exclusively in Non-limiting examples, the filter module according to the invention it will be analyzed below widely.

In the drawings:

The figure. 1 sample, in elevation, one second tubular filtration element which is spiral wound, and padding on one side;

       \ newpage
    

The figure. 2 shows, in sectioned perspective in elevation, a filter module to which according to Figure 1, a second filter element is accommodated;

The figure. 3 shows, in elevation, one second tubular filter element, spiral winding, which is padded on two sides;

The figure. 4 shows, in sectioned perspective in elevation, a filter module in which it has accommodated itself of according to the figure. 3; a second filter element

The figure. 5 shows, in elevation, one second tubular filtering element, spiral winding, which is filled locally, along its entire length, in axial direction, Y

The figure. 6 shows, in sectioned perspective in elevation, a filter module in which according to the figure. 1, a second filter element is accommodated.

In the figure. 1, presented as a precedent of State of the Art, a filter element 1 is represented, obtained by winding at least one filter membrane 2 without tube-shaped end, in a cylindrical base body (not shown). The filter membrane 2 can be selected from a group consisting of microfiltration membranes, membranes of ultrafiltration, nanofiltration membranes, osmosis membranes inverse and / or of the membranes to which agents have been added adsorption or bacteriostatic. The rolled up and unwound and the construction of a series of layers comparable to the way in which a coil of thread is formed, it can lead to the formation of a tubular housing with an inherently stable shape. Winding it can then be carried out according to the desired degree of packaging of the filter membranes 2. The cylindrical base body can be a core that can be removed once the winding is finished, but you can also select a lost hollow core with a perforated wall structure. The filtration membrane 2 can be rolled directly over the core, although, if desired, it is also possible, first apply in the core (lost), a series of layers of material with filtering properties depending on of the intended use eventually.

The winding body, thus obtained by having its two uninterrupted ends, it is filled in one end with continuous layers of filter membranes 2, to obtain the second filter element as shown in the figure. 1 is say, at that end, in the spaces between the coils of the filter membranes, in a relatively short axial length of the winding body, a material is supplied for filling and sealed, which penetrates into, but not through the wall of material of the filtering capillary membrane 2, so that the passage Filtration membrane free remains open. Is selected as a filler material, initially fluid, but at curable continuation such as an epoxy resin, of polyurethane, a "heat melting" resin or a combination of these. Filling can be done by immersion of the winding body in a liquid bath over the desired axial length. However it is it is preferable that the winding body slides on a support cylindrical, which thus defines the circumferential surface external filling material. The application of the material of filling can be done again, submerging the body of settlement in a liquid bath, located in the cylindrical support. The application of the filling material can be done in a way more controlled by sealing the cylindrical support in a end and supply of a measured amount of material from padding through the open core from the other end open.

Once one end of the body is filled winding, a part of it is cut, disk-shaped, disk which has a thickness equal to the uninterrupted ends wound of the filter membrane that are trimmed and removed ,, so that a large number of open connections are created between the coils of the filtration membrane and the surroundings.

In this way, the second element of filtered 1 shown in Figure 1, which has windings continuous uninterrupted filtration membrane 2 in a end and with the winding of the filter membrane open towards the surroundings of the other end. Said second filter element 1 can be used in a filter module with a configuration end-dead call, which will be clarified later with reference to the figure. 2.

The filter module shown in the figure. 2, and that is also presented as an antecedent of the technique, it has a second filter element 1, placed in a cylindrical support 3, which, for example, can be the support cylindrical used in filling. At one of its ends, the cylindrical support 3 is closed by an inlet cover 4, and in its other end by an outlet cover 5. The input cover 4 is provided with an inlet 6 to which it connects to a perforated tube of inlet 7, which extends into the filler material present nearby from the outlet cover to 5. This indicates that the perforated tube 7 is already It existed on the winding body during refilling. But nevertheless, said perforated tube can also be provided after filled, in which case it ends above the material of filling. Around the perforated tube 7, a layer of filter material 8 in radial direction and at a distance from that layer, an additional layer 9. Between layers 8 and 9, there is a filter material 12, for example activated carbon; and what form with mounting 7-9 with filling 12 the first filter element The first filter element could have served as a core lost during winding or could have slipped into the hollow core of the winding body after winding, before or not before filling. The outlet cover 5 is provides with an output of 10, leaving a free space below of the winding body with open filtration membranes. He fluid to be filtered, is supplied by inlet 6 and is distributed pressed by perforated tube 7 through layer 8, the filler 12 and the layer 9 to the filtration membranes 2. The only exit form for the liquid that is filtered is that it enters through the wall material of the filtration membranes 2, flowing through the open passage of the filtration membranes 2 in the direction of the open ends thereof The material so filtered ends up reaching the free space of the exit cover 5 and then exits the filter module through output 10.

The perforated tube 7 forms an open passage, which produces a favorable pressure drop through the filter module.

In the figure. 3, also presented as antecedent of the State of the Art, a second element is represented  of filter 11, comprising a winding body formed from a filter membrane 2, which can be obtained through the winding described with reference to the figure. 1. The winding body is implanted on both sides, procedure also described with reference to the figure. 1, whereby, a disk-shaped part it is removed from both ends of the filter membranes that are open around him. Said second filter element 11 is you can use in a filter module that has an input and a exit, both to the top and bottom, and that will be later explained in reference to figure 4.

The filter module is shown in the figure. 4 it has a second filter element 11 received in a support cylindrical provided with a water flow inlet 13 and an outlet water flow 18. The cylindrical body is plugged at one end by means of a cover 14 with an outlet 15 and at the other end by middle of a cover 16 with outlet 17. Caps 14 and 16 are designed in such a way that a free space is formed on the sides opposites of the filter element 11. The two inputs are formed by a tube 19 indicated by a broken line, perforated design between the two filled parts of the second filter element. Around tube 19, in the space surrounded by the second filter element 11, there is a first filter element that does not It is represented for reasons of clarity.

A fluid supplied through the tube entry 19 will begin flowing through the perforations through the first filter element (not shown) and then filtered with the effect that takes place in the second filtering during the penetration through the wall of membrane material of filtration 2. The fluid thus filtered can leave the module filtered through downloads 15 and 17. During this process filtered, input 13 and output 18 are plugged. In This filter module may be present between the membranes of filtration a substance that forms calcium crystals, and therefore The filter module can be used as a water softener. Is preferable then that the calcium crystals be removed periodically to maintain optimal softening action. This can be done by rinsing the spaces between the filtration membranes by inlet 13 when water is pumped into circulation, which generates a flow between the membranes of Filtering, which draws calcium from the crystals and is removed with the water rinse of the filter element 11 through the exit 18; in this way a filter module with a cleaning action

In the figure. 5 also presented as antecedent of the State of the Art, an element of filter 21 provided with a winding body obtained by means of the winding of at least one membrane filter 2 in one step of limited separation in a support cylinder. Then the winding body has been filled, with filling material by spaces between the coils in an area that extends in the direction axial over a limited circumferential area, for example by Immersion of the winding body in a liquid bath. Later a part of the filler material is removed again, that is, by cutting through a large number of turns, the filtration membranes are placed in an open communication with the environment. The extraction of the filler material can lead to out by chopping the winding body, in all its length, whose cross-sectional cut, has the shape of a segment of an arc. In addition, it can also be considered, the grinding, or cutting in groove or groove, or drilling a passage, therefore, you get a second filter element that it can be used in a filter module that has a terminal configuration, as will be discussed later with reference to the figure. 6, also presented as a precedent of State of the art.

The second filter element 21 is placed in a support cylinder 22, which is sealed at one end by a cover 23 with a central entrance 24 and, at the other end, by a cover 25 with an outlet 26, which connects to a recess formed by the removal of filler material in order to open the membranes of filtration 2 towards the environment. In the space inserted by the second filter element 21 and covers 23 and 25, another first filter element, which is not represented for reasons of clarity, and that has an open central passage.

The fluid supplied through inlet 24 will first penetrate through the central opening channel and the filter material around the first filter element and then it will penetrate the filtration membranes 2 and remaining then filtered. The filtered liquid will reach the membranes of filtration 2, finally at exit 26, and will be evacuated from the module Filtering

It is clear that in the context of the invention such and as stated in the accompanying claims, it is possible to make many modifications and variations. For example in The pumping system, the inlet and outlet can be to exchange. It has been represented, every time, a cylindrical body winding of a circular cross section. This section Transverse can also be oval or multiple angles. Further, in all the windings represented here, a simple endless filtration membrane or several membranes of filtration simultaneously or successively. The winding can be Perform in parallel, diagonally, with woven fibers, and if I would like to spiral other elements elongated

Claims (16)

1. A filtering module comprising: A crankcase (3) having an entry (6) for a liquid that will be filtered and an outlet (10) for the liquid filtered out; the first filter element (12) located in the crankcase, in the form of a porous tubular mass provided with a channel of central opening (7), to which the entrance connects, A second filter element (2) located in the crankcase comprising a series of membrane lengths tube-shaped filters, said first and second elements Filters form a cylindrical shape, having ends opposite, a sealant material disposed at least one end between the filter membranes to finish the openings in the end between the filter membranes, the output has been connected to the extreme. characterized in that the second filter element is formed as a spiral (2) giving rise to a tubular housing that surrounds the first filter element and in which there is a material between the spirals of the tubular housing that can cause the formation of calcium crystals and a part of the crankcase surrounding the tubular housing has an inlet (13) and an outlet (18) for pumping the water. 2. Filtering module according to claim 1, characterized in that the porous mass is constituted by a powder or granular mass. 3. Filtering module according to claim 1, characterized in that the porous mass is constituted by a body that keeps its shape stable. 4. Filtering module according to claim 2 or 3 characterized in that the porous mass of the first filtering element (12) is constituted of filtering material or absorbent agent. 5. Filtering module according to claim 2 characterized in that the porous mass of the first filtering element (12) is constituted by an absorbent agent selected from a group of activated carbon materials, zeolites, clay materials and combinations thereof. . 6. Filtering module according to claim 2 characterized in that the porous mass of the first filtering element (12) consists of a compound selected from a group consisting of compounds with a controlled release of active substances, pH regulating substances , ion exchange substances, neutralizers, or a combination of them. 7. Filtering module according to claim 6, characterized in that said active substance has been selected from a group consisting of minerals, iodide, disinfectants or a combination thereof. 8. Filtering module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second filtering element (2) consists of filter membranes selected from a group consisting of microfiltration membranes, ultrafiltration membranes, nanofiltration membranes, membranes of reverse osmosis, hydrophilic membranes and / or membranes to which adsorption or bacteriostatic agents have been added
ticos. 9. Filtering module according to at least any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular housing of the second filtering element (2) spirally includes at least one more extension of filiform, hollow, or non-hollow material, fabric or non woven 10. Filtering module according to claim 9, characterized in that at least additional extension is selected from a group consisting of reinforcing wires, aeration or deaeration membranes, such as hydrophobic membrane, heat exchange channels, heating by radiant cable with the purpose of sterilizing the channels for the supply of additives and / or materials that have a bacteriostatic action. 11. Filtering module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular housing is wound on a hollow support body permeable to liquids. 12. Filtering module according to claim 11, characterized in that the support body is a perforated tube. 13. Filtering module according to claim 11, characterized in that the support body is at least one layer of woven or non-woven fibers. 14. Filtering module according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one layer of woven or non-woven fiber is provided between the perforated tube and the tubular housing.

         \ newpage
      

15. Filtering module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central opening channel of the first filter element connects on both sides an inlet for the liquid to be filtered. 16. Filtering module according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular housing is provided at both ends with open filter membranes at its ends, surrounded by spaces filled with a sealing material.